Surgical Procedures for Amenorrhea

Uterine abnormalities or hymen (thin membrane in the vagina) abnormalities

Surgical Procedures for the Treatment of Menorrhagia

There are several surgical options available for women with heavy menstrual bleeding. You should carefully consider your surgical options since some may affect your ability to have children.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

D&C
is the standard procedure to remove the lining of the uterus and allow replacement by healthier cells.
The cervix is dilated and a scoop-shaped instrument, called a curette, is inserted and used to scrape the uterine lining and remove tissue through the vagina.

In the past, the D&C was purported to be both a diagnostic and a therapeutic procedure. Currently, the D&C is no longer viewed as an effective therapy for
menorrhagia
. This procedure will not help menorrhagia due to adenomysosis (a condition in which endometrial cells move into the muscle of the uterus).

Hysteroscopy

Using an instrument called a hysteroscope (a long, thin telescope with a camera on the end), the doctor is able to visualize the interior of the uterus and to remove the cause of bleeding, such as a polyp or a
fibroid
. This procedure is often done in combination with an ablation or a resection of the uterine lining.

Endometrial Ablation

In an
endometrial ablation
, the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) is destroyed. This procedure is highly effective in eliminating heavy bleeding.

There are several ways to perform an endometrial ablation. One way uses lasers or electric voltage to destroy the endometrium. The uterus is filled with fluid to help the doctor have a better view. A laser beam or high electric voltage is usually used to vaporize the uterine tissue. Another technique uses a device that applies heat as it rolls across the uterine lining, destroying the endometrial tissue.
In microwave ablation, microwaves are generated inside the uterus to heat and destroy the lining of the uterus. Another way to perform an endometrial ablation is by using a balloon. Here, the lining of your uterus is destroyed by placing a balloon filled with hot fluid inside the uterus.

In an endometrial resection, the lining of your uterus is removed. This procedure is highly effective in eliminating heavy bleeding. The cervix is dilated and fluid is pumped into the uterine cavity to help the doctor have a better view of the uterus. The lining is then removed with an electrosurgical wire loop.

These procedures will not help menorrhagia due to adenomyosis.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy
is the surgical removal of the uterus. The most common reason for hysterectomy is heavy bleeding, but this surgery is only done for the most severe cases. In some cases, the ovaries are removed, as well, in a procedure called
oophorectomy
. Oophorectomy is usually performed only after age 40-45 years, as the woman approaches menopause. The ovaries are removed to prevent later development of
ovarian cancer
. This surgery leads to premature menopause in younger women.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.